Never put being right ahead of the relationship. To do this, there are three phrases that you need to keep in mind and use frequently when you are communicating with your spouse: “You are right, good point and that is interesting.” –Jackie Whisnant, Newport Beach, Calif.

Get premarital counseling before the wedding. A good marriage counselor gets a couple to talk openly about their goals and teaches them how to listen to the other person’s problems. –David Sandor, Irvine, Calif.

There are three important rules to remember when selecting a mate: one, don’t be rushed; two, be sure that your politics, religion, sexual interest, and values are all compatible, and three, make sure that you are in romantic love—not sister/brother love. If you don’t have romantic love at the beginning you won’t have it at the end. –Eric Spevak, Haddonfield, N.J.

People pull the trigger way too fast. It is important to get beyond the honeymoon period before you get engaged. Go on vacations together. Live together. Experience many ups and downs together. Make sure that you know the person well and that you consider the person your closest friend. –Scott Weston, Santa Monica, Calif.